Chelsea secured a vital 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season, clinching a return to the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence. The match, held at the City Ground, was a tense affair with few clear-cut chances, but a moment of quality from Levi Colwill proved decisive.
The first half saw both teams struggle to create meaningful opportunities. Forest had a chance in the 44th minute when Chris Wood volleyed over from a well-delivered cross by Ola Aina. Chelsea's Pedro Neto also had a chance but couldn't direct his shot on target. Despite dominating possession, Chelsea couldn't break down Forest's disciplined defense, and the half ended goalless.
The breakthrough came early in the second half. In the 50th minute, Cole Palmer's cross was cleared by Forest, but Marc Cucurella kept the ball alive, sending it back into the box. Neco Williams' attempted clearance fell to Neto, whose shot was blocked. The ball then fell to Colwill, who calmly slotted it into the net from close range, giving Chelsea the lead and sending their traveling supporters into raptures.
Forest responded with increased pressure, but Chelsea's defense, led by captain Reece James and Tosin Adarabioyo, stood firm. In the 94th minute, Forest had their best chance when Sels launched a long ball to Wood, but under pressure from Adarabioyo, Wood's shot sailed over the bar, sealing the win for Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca, in his debut season at Chelsea, expressed immense pride in his team's achievement. Fielding the youngest starting XI in Premier League history, with an average age of 24 years and 36 days, Maresca highlighted the team's growth and resilience.
"I didn't have any doubt about the players," Maresca stated. "The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough... Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong."
He further emphasized the team's effort throughout the season:
"The players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic."
Maresca also looked ahead to the upcoming UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, aiming to cap off the season with another triumph.
Nuno Espírito Santo (Nottingham Forest Manager)
Despite the defeat, Nuno Espírito Santo acknowledged the progress Nottingham Forest made during the season. Finishing seventh, Forest secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League, marking their first European qualification since the 1995-96 season.
"I have to thank the players for their commitment. When you give everything, you have, you cannot say anything about it," Espírito Santo remarked.
When questioned about his future at the club, he responded:
"Look, this is not the moment to speak about me, not even think about me… to think about the club and the idea for next season."
Both managers reflected on a season of challenges and achievements, setting the stage for their respective clubs' ambitions in European competitions next season.
This win not only secured Chelsea's place in Europe's UEFA competition but also ended Nottingham Forest's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Despite the disappointment, Forest will now compete in the UEFA Conference League next season, marking their return to European competition for the first time since the 1995-96 season.
Chelsea's victory capped off a season of progress under Maresca, with the team showcasing a blend of youthful energy and tactical discipline. As they prepare for their upcoming UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, the Blues will look to build on this momentum and continue their ascent in European football.
